One Community: United in Action is the theme for the Month of the Disabled which will be celebrated in March.
The month of activities is being coordinated by the National Disabilities Unit (NDU) and the Barbados Council for the Disabled, in collaboration with stakeholders. It will be marked by several significant events aimed at bringing together friends and families of the disabled as well as the general public.
A key feature throughout the entire month will be Daily Devotions and Co-op Tips carried on CBC TV.
The month will officially start on Sunday, March 3, with a message from Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, to be carried in the media.
During the week, there will be a book launch on Friday, March 8, at 10:00 a.m., at the NDU’s headquarters, Maxwelton, Collymore Rock, St. Michael. The author, Janelle Corbin, a parent of a child with a disability, will introduce children who are hearing impaired to American Sign Language (ASL), by way of her text “My ASL Animal Alphabet Book”. Representatives of the Challenor Creative Arts and Training Centre and personnel from the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training are expected to be in attendance.
On Sunday, March 10, members of the community of persons with disabilities and the public are invited to attend a church service at St. David’s Church, St. David’s, Christ Church, beginning at 4:00 p.m.
A key highlight of the week will be the NDU’s first-ever Health Fair on Wednesday, March 13. A collaborative effort with Carlisle Laboratories, it will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., on the grounds of the NDU at Collymore Rock, St. Michael. Patrons will be given the opportunity to have blood sugar and blood pressure checks. They will also be introduced to products offered by Carlisle Laboratories and encouraged to participate in informative sessions on non-communicable diseases and other chronic medical ailments, among other things.
Another significant event will be the NDU’s first-ever Sports Rally on Wednesday, March 20. The activity, which is supported by the National Sports Council, will seek to introduce children with disabilities to a sport or help them learn a new sport of their choice. It will be hosted at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Wildey, St. Michael, from 9:00 a.m.
The Down Syndrome Association will once again stage its annual “Rock Your Socks”, in commemoration of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21. All Barbadians are encouraged to purchase socks and wear them on that day; take photographs and display these on the various media platforms.
The Movie Night, which is a common activity of the month, will be held on Saturday, March 23, on the NDU’s grounds, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. All are invited to bring their chairs and blankets and watch the two movies on show: “Migration” and “The Woman King”.
Members of the public are also invited to come aboard the Scenic Bus Ride, being held in commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Barbados National Organisation of the Disabled, on Sunday, March 24.
The ride, which is expected to travel to places such as Farley Hill and Gun Hill, will also stop for a picnic. Tickets may be obtained from the Barbados Council for the Disabled, Harambee House, The Garrison, St. Michael.
The second annual public lecture, on the theme This is My Story, will be hosted on Wednesday, March 27, at the Grande Salle, Tom Adams Financial Centre, Church Village. Senator Andwele Boyce will share his story of living with a disability. It begins at 7:00 p.m. and all are invited to attend.
The Month of the Disabled will conclude on Saturday, March 30, with a Flea Market, on the NDU’s grounds, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Persons who wish to purchase stall space from the Unit should call 535-3600, or email disabilities.unit@barbados.gov.bb.